Arrested Development

There are reports that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani has not been executed by stoning, but that could change quickly. I wrote about Ms. Ashtiani previously here. Now it appears as if the Iranian government is arresting anyone who is trying to bring more attention to her cause as a way of silencing any criticism directed towards the government.

Media reports have said that Javid Houtan Kiyan [Ms. Ashtiani’s lawyer] was arrested along with Sajjad Ghaderzadeh, the son of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, and two German nationals.

The Iranian government’s reaction isn’t unusual in any way. It’s doing what most states do when people challenge its authority; it uses its power to silence critics and to show others the consequences of speaking out against it in order to deter any dissidence.

It’s not too late though. There is still time for Iran to release its four new prisoners in addition to pardoning Ms. Ashtiani and putting an end to her terrible ordeal.